FAQ

Recording Basics & Equipment

Do I need special equipment?

No. Most smartphones already shoot in HD, which is more than enough. Prop your phone up rather than holding it — a tripod or phone mount is ideal, but a fence, bag, or bleacher works fine too. A steady shot matters more than a fancy camera.

How should I position the camera?

For Match Breakdown, set up behind the court if possible, otherwise any angle that's high enough to see the full court and both players clearly, and far enough back to capture the whole point, not just one player. For Stroke Analysis, capture your stroke from the side, from behind, and from in front — different angles help pinpoint exactly what's happening. Landscape (horizontal) orientation only — vertical video loses too much context.

Do I need someone to film for me?

Not necessarily. A tripod or phone mount lets you set up beforehand and let it run on its own. If a coach, hitting partner, or friend can film for you, that's a bonus, but it isn't required for either program.

Does the audio or sound quality matter?

No. The analysis is entirely visual. Wind, court noise, or no sound at all won't affect anything.

What if I can't get everything into one file?

That's fine — submit whichever clip you have. For Stroke Analysis, a few minutes of clean reps is plenty. For Match Breakdown, more complete footage gives a fuller picture, but partial footage still works.

Recording Rules & Permissions

Can I record my own match?

There isn't one universal rule — it depends on your section, the level of play, and whether it's a sanctioned tournament, league match, or practice set. Casual play, practice sets, and most league matches are typically unrestricted. Tournament rules can be more specific: for example, USTA New England requires advance consent from both the tournament and your opponent's parent/guardian before recording junior sanctioned matches, and any recording has to stay unobtrusive and at a reasonable distance.

Do I need my opponent's permission?

Even where it isn't strictly required, asking your opponent (or, for a junior match, their parent/guardian) before you start filming is the courteous move, and it avoids any mid-match confusion or objection.

Does UTR have a rule against recording?

No. UTR is a rating system — it imports match scores and results, and doesn't set rules about recording. Any restriction you run into comes from whoever's running the event, not from UTR itself.

What should I do if I'm not sure?

When in doubt, ask the tournament director or facility ahead of time. Rules vary by section and can change, so it's always worth checking before you show up expecting to film.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. For anything specific to your tournament or section, confirm directly with the organizer.

General Questions

What if my video came out sideways?

Landscape is best, but if that's all you have, send it anyway — we can still work with it.

Can I submit a link instead of uploading a file?

Yes. On the upload page you can either upload a file directly or paste a link to footage hosted elsewhere. If the link is private, include the password in your notes at upload.

How long should my video be?

For Stroke Analysis, up to 5 minutes is plenty. For Match Breakdown, up to 20 minutes or 5 games, whichever comes first. There's no strict minimum — even a short, clean clip is enough to work with, especially for Stroke Analysis.

Do I need to say anything in the video?

No script needed — just describe what you're wearing and, for match footage, which side of the court you start on when you upload, so I know exactly who to watch.

What if I have a question that isn't answered here?

Reach out anytime at support@offcourtedge.com.